Private Alfred William Atkinson of the Royal Marine Light Infantry, was the son of Frederick and Nellie Atkinson (née Orton). He was born 10 December 1897 in Abertillery, Pontypool, Monmouthshire, Wales and was 19 years of age when he lost is life on the Laurentic.

His father Frederick Atkinson, a musician in a theatrical company, married Nellie Orton, an actress, in Cardiff in 1895. Most of the family seem to have been involved in the theatrical profession. Frederick’s parents William and Margaret were actors, Nellie’s father Alfred was a traveling showman and her brother ran a variety theatre.

When he was just 13 years old in April 1911 Alfred was a “boy under training for sea”, at the Navy League Sea Training Home, Withens Lane, Liscard. His service record states that he enrolled in the navy at Newcastle 22nd Jan 1915 and was a general labourer, living in Coundon, county Durham. He embarked on the Laurentic on 20th January 1917 for transit to HMS Devonshire.

His body was never recovered.